Police seek Hinesville armed robbery suspect

Source: Hinesville Police Department

Source: Hinesville Police Department

HINESVILLE, GA (WTOC) -

Hinesville Police Department are asking for the public's assistance in locating an armed robbery suspect.

On June 30, police were dispatched to Geovista Credit Union on West Oglethorpe Highway in reference to an armed robbery in progress at an ATM machine. While police were in route, dispatch advised that the suspect left on foot and was traveling down Link Street towards Briar Circle.

Police made contact with Jason Hickman when they arrived at the scene. Hickman told police that he was at the ATM machine at Geovista Credit Union when a white male wearing a long black sleeve shirt, black pants, and silver framed glasses approached him and demanded money. According to Hickman, the suspect had a black hand gun, possibly a 9mm, in his right hand. Police say the suspect had short brown curly hair and is possibly balding in the front. They also say he was also carrying a small black gym bag.

Hickman reported that he told the suspect he was at his max limit on his card and could only withdraw $100. He says he made the withdrawal and turned around to give it to the suspect. The suspect told Hickman to place the money on the ground. Hickman says he then went back to his vehicle and the suspect grabbed the money and ran across West Oglethorpe Highway and onto Link Street. Hickman stated that he followed the suspect in his vehicle and observed him running on Briar Circle but lost sight of him.

Police also spoke with Hickman's wife, Dolores Hickman, who stated she observed the suspect running across Link Street coming from the bushes in the area of Link Terrace Apartments. She told police that she observed the suspect talking to her husband. She says when she looked a second time, she saw the hand gun in the suspects hand and immediately called 911. She stayed on the phone with dispatch until police made contact with them at the corner of Link Street and Briar Circle.

Both of Hickman's children, Johnny Benavides and Cameron Hickman, told police that they observed the suspect point the gun at their father, take the money, and run off. Cameron Hickman reported that he thought the suspect ran towards Link Terrace Apartments. Johnny Benevides stated that he saw the suspect run across West Oglethorpe Highway.

Authorities searched the area on foot and in patrol vehicle but were unable to locate the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hinesville Police Department.